U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable EnergyFederal Energy Management Program – Energy-Efficient ProductsHow to Buy an Energy-Efficient Computer Monitor
Information about energy-efficient monitors in this section include the following:
Also provided is a portable document format version of How to Buy an Energy-Efficient Computer Monitor (PDF 69 KB, 2 pp). Download Adobe Reader.
a "Sleep" mode refers to a low-power standby condition, which is entered automatically after a set period of inactivity. The monitor's active mode is restored when the user touches the mouse or the keyboard.
a Lifetime energy cost is the sum of the discounted value of annual energy costs based on average usage and an assumed monitor life of 4 years. Future electricity price trends and a discount rate of 3.4% are based on Federal guidelines (effective from April 2000 to March 2001). Cost-Effectiveness Assumptions: Monitor model used for above example is 17" color. Annual energy use calculation is based on typical office operating practices, including a 9.5 hour work day (sleep mode for 5.5 hours/day) and 250 work days per year. Model assumes the monitor is turned on only 76% of workdays, but is left on overnight and on weekends 35% of the time. Assumed electricity price is $0.06/kWh, the federal average electricity price in the U.S. Where to Find Energy-Efficient Computer MonitorsThe Federal supply source for energy-efficient monitors is the General Services Administration (GSA). GSA's on-line ordering system, GSA Advantage!, can be used to select and order monitors. Make sure that the model you order qualifies for the ENERGY STAR® label. All ENERGY STAR® monitors meet this efficiency recommendation. When contracting or buying from a commercial source (retailer or distributor), choose models that qualify for the EPA/DOE ENERGY STAR® label. Visit the ENERGY STAR® Web site for a list of complying models. Buyer TipsMake sure that the power management features of your monitor have been "enabled" and are compatible with your computer and operating system. In most cases, look for a monitor with "DPMS" (Display Power Management Signaling) or "universal" power management signaling. Some flat-panel liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors use considerably less electricity than comparably-sized cathode ray tube models, but the extra first cost is still much more than the lifetime energy savings. The time to recover from sleep to active mode varies; for convenience, look for a model with quick recovery time. Some models use an indicator light to signal use of the low-power mode. Most screen-savers do not significantly reduce power consumption. Some screen-saver software is compatible with ENERGY STAR® computers and monitors; it initiates the sleep mode after displaying the screen-saver for a pre-set time. Usage TipsUse your computer or monitor software to set the "idle time" delay to the shortest period consistent with your needs. Even for monitors with a low-power sleep mode, you can save more energy and possibly extend your monitor's lifetime if you manually shut it off completely at night, on weekends, and during long periods (two hours or more) of non-use during the day. For older monitors without an ENERGY STAR® sleep mode, external control devices are available that shut the monitor off after a preset idle time. The monitor is then restarted when the keyboard or mouse is used. The EPA's web site or hotline has product information (see For More Information). For More Information
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